Netherlands: Wine Festival of the Low Countries
Some thirty winemakers from the Netherlands and Belgium showcased their wines at the first edition of the Wine Festival of the Low Countries. It was about time for a festival with Dutch and Belgian wines!
Netherlands: 5 tips for drinking beer in Maastricht
Maastricht and its surrounding vicinity is a beautiful part of the Netherlands where people enjoy life. And food. And beer. On a recent trip I visited 5 special beer places that I think are worth a stop.
Netherlands: Why not grow hops?
The Netherlands are not exactly known as a big producer of hops. Apart from some breweries that have hopfields there also are a few people who decided to grow their own hops.
Beer Class: The art of beer and food pairing
Beer is very well-suited to almost any dish that you can think of. Pairing barrel-aged beers with food is a whole different story, but that is exactly what a recent pairing event in the Netherlands was all about.
Netherlands: Wines from Ambt-Delden (PDO)
There is a growing number of registered PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) wine regions in the Netherlands. This registration system has been set up by the European Union to protect regional products. Ambt-Delden is one of them and received its PDO-status in 2019.
Austria, Innsbruck: 5 beer hot spots
Innsbruck is located in between Bavaria to the north, Italy to the south and the rest of Austria to the east. It offers a mix of traditional breweries and beer styles but also some newer ‘craft’ breweries and beers.
Netherlands: Dutch brewery names
The number of craft breweries in The Netherlands has grown immensely over the last few years. But starting a brewery also brings up questions like: what makes for a cool craft brewery name?
Netherlands: Cantillon Zwanze Day 2021
Cantillon Zwanze Day is an international event that brings together sour beer and wild ale lovers from all over the world. Like previous years, this fun beer event was also held in Amsterdam.
USA, Austin: Jester King Brewery
Jester King brewery in Austin has gained a reputation for producing high-quality and unique beers. While in Texas for a family get-together I couldn't resist paying a visit to this farmhouse brewery.
Germany, Stuttgart: 4 beer hotspots
The German city of Stuttgart is about a 5.5 hour drive from Amsterdam. You really are in a different world. Beer sommelier Martijn Buisman was in town for two days and checked out some beer hot spots.
Greece, Nafplio: Karonis Distilleries
Karonis Distilleries is a Greek distillery just outside Nafplio, that dates back to 1869. Ouzo, Tsipouro and Masticha are produced here by the fifth generation of this family-owned business.
Greece, Kalamata: Peloponnese Beer Festival
The 1st Peloponnese Beer Festival was held this summer in the city of Kalamata. We were on vacation in Greece and to our joy we happened to be in the region at the right time.
Netherlands: Utrecht beer history (Part 2)
In Utrecht Beer history part 2 we turn our attention to another important group in society: the church and their influence in beer history on Utrechts Oudegracht, the canal that runs through the city center.
Netherlands: Utrecht beer history (Part 1)
Utrecht beer history goes a long way back. Many breweries were located along Oudegracht. One of the buildings still carries the brewery name "Die Vergulde Craen" (The Golden Tap).
Netherlands: Revival of Cluyn beer
Some Dutch cities made beers that were of high quality and gained notoriety outside the city walls. Certain types of beer became synonymous with they city it was from, like Cluyn from Groningen.
Greece, Peloponnese: Domaine Dereskos
No, we could not decline an invitiation for a vineyard tour and wine tasting at Domaine Dereskos, a family business that is located right outside the small town of Gargaliani in the Messene region of the Peloponnese.
Beer Class: Dry-hopped Lagers
The craft beer (r)evolution has initiated another exciting new beer trend: the dry-hopped lager. Dry-hopping was undoubtedly connected to top-fermented beers, until the breakthrough of the India Pale Lager.
Netherlands: Amsterdam beer history
A good read for beerlovers who plan a visit to Amsterdam and are curious about the city's beer history that was heavily influenced by German merchants from Hamburg.
Slovenia: Winetours in a country with a rich winemaking history
Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or someone who enjoys the odd droplet with their meal, a visit to Slovenia may quickly transform you from the latter into the former.
Netherlands: Wine harvest season in southern Limburg
No doubt the best time to visit any wine region is during harvest season. Not many people will think of The Netherlands as your typical wine country but “the times they are a changin".
Netherlands: Rotterdam Beer Guide (Part 2)
Rotterdam has become an increasingly popular visitor’s destination and recently even got its own Lonely Planet city guide! Check out our craft beer tips in the neighborhoods just outisde the city center.
Netherlands: Rotterdam Beer Guide (Part 1)
When you think of Rotterdam, it’s probably not the craft beer scene but the modern and daring architecture that first comes to mind. Well, think again...
Greece, Zakynthos: Levante Brewery
Levante Brewery in Zakynthos, started producing in 2017 and is an extra reason to visit this Greek island. The charming small brewery near Xigia is well worth a visit!
Netherlands: Wines from Mergelland (PDO)
Mergelland PDO, quality wines from southern Limburg. Sometimes people still have their reservations about Dutch wine. But did you know that viticulture in Limburg already existed in the early Middle Ages?
France, Saint-Chinian: Fête du Cru
The market square in the charming village of Saint-Chinian is the place to be when the tents go up for the Fête du Cru. Purchase your tasting glass and sample all the good wines local winemakers have to offer!
Netherlands: Two Trappist breweries
Out of all Trappist breweries which exist in the world, two can be found in the south of the Netherlands. La Trappe and Zundert Trappist both bear the label of “Authentic Trappist Product”.
Greece, Zakynthos: Art & Wine Winery
While spending your holidays on the beautiful isle of Zakynthos in Greece you might stumble upon a number of vineyards. We visited a local winery named Goumas Estate, Art & Wine Winery.